On-Farm Elevator Stands The Test Of Time

On-Farm Elevator Stands The Test Of Time BUILDINGS Miscellaneous 26-1-25 When Dominic Schmitz constructed a grain elevator on his farm in 1929, he built it to last. Today, the 12,000-bushel elevator is still used by his grandchildren. Only 27 at the time, Schmitz owned his own sawmill and used lumber from his land to build the elevator. He also owned the hardware store and a garage in nearby Shellbrook, Saskatchewan. Spikes were bought through the hardware business and labor was cheap. The elevator was completed in 1931. "It was the talk of the town," says Smith. "There was no such thing as a farmer who owned his own elevator. There were country elevators, but a farmer-owned elevator was unheard of," says W.T. Smith, Schmitz's son (he changed his name about 50 years ago). The elevator was only slightly smaller than the one in town. It featured a 60-ft. leg, while the one in town had an 80-ft. leg. It was also constructed of 2 by 4s instead of 2 by 6s. The original elevator held 12,000 bushels. It contained six bins that each held 2,000 bushels. All of the grain was trucked out of the elevator since it was not located on a rail line. Although Schmitz drew up the plans rather quickly, his planning has stood the test of time. Very few modifications have had to be made as the decades have passed. "We haven't had to make many improvements over the years," says Smith. "We added a tin roof and constructed an addition in the 1960's. The addition was an open shed with a sloping roof." The elevator was completely repainted in 1991 and in 1999 a metal hopper bottom granary was attached to the elevator. A second one was added the following year.

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.